STEAM Academy Collects 1,100 Pairs of Socks for Local Shelters

Students and staff at the Vails Gate STEAM Academy in the Newburgh Enlarged City School District harnessed the power to help others and spread holiday cheer to local shelters thanks to a holiday sock drive. Local shelters Project Life and HONOR (Helping Others Needing Our Resources) were the recipients of the collection drive. This year's district mantra is #ValuesMatter and newly developed Student Advisory Councils in all district schools are aiming to make a difference in their schools and community.

"The Vails Gate STEAM Academy Student Advisory Council members agreed that this time of year could be trying for those in need. Upon exploring how to positively impact and assist our community, the students learned that socks are the most requested, but least donated items within shelters. Their goal for the sock drive was 300 pairs, but no one could have predicted what we actually received. To date, we have collected over 1,100 pairs of socks. We are extremely proud of the efforts and accomplishments of our students," shared Assistant Principal Mayda Amabile.

Eileen Robertson, Director of Project Life, thanked the students for their support this holiday season and shared that the socks will not only warm feet, but hearts too. "We rely on community drives like this to help our families and let them know that they are appreciated," shared Robertson.

Kathleen Morgan, the Chief Operations Officer for HONOR, echoed the sentiments of Robertson. "We are touched by the kindness and generosity of the students here at the Vails Gate STEAM Academy. We appreciate all that the community does for our families. We are all in this together," shared Morgan.